Navigating the technical aspects of streaming can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to selecting the right equipment, ensuring reliable connectivity, and training volunteers. In this episode of the Church Solutions Podcast, hosts Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy welcomed George Birchall from Epiphan Video to discuss remote video production, common streaming mistakes, and how churches can improve their broadcasting setup.
The Importance of Remote Production in Church Streaming
One of the highlights of the discussion was the upcoming webinar titled Church in the Virtual World: Unlock the Power of Remote Production. Hosted by StreamingChurch.tv, this webinar (scheduled for March 18th) features expert Stephen Heywood from PTZ Optics. He will showcase Hive, a cloud-based video production platform that enables users to manage PTZ cameras remotely from anywhere in the world. Sign up now at webinar.streamingchurch.tv
Churches have increasingly relied on video production to maintain engagement, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The ability to remotely control cameras and production elements ensures a more professional and reliable experience for viewers, particularly for churches that rely on volunteers.
Common Streaming Mistakes Churches Make
George Birchall, Vice President of Marketing at Epiphan Video, shared some of the most common mistakes churches make when setting up their streaming systems:
- Overcomplicated Setups – Many churches start with DIY streaming solutions that may work for one person but are too complex for volunteers to manage.
- Weak Network Infrastructure – Churches often assume their internet speed is sufficient without testing real-time performance, leading to buffering and dropouts.
- Wi-Fi Dependency – Many churches try to stream over Wi-Fi instead of a stable, wired Ethernet connection, which can result in unreliable streams.
- Inadequate Training – Churches frequently build streaming setups that are difficult to train others to use, making it challenging when key tech personnel are unavailable.
To overcome these hurdles, George recommended investing in professional-grade hardware encoders, such as the Epiphan Pearl Mini or Pearl Nano, which offer reliable, user-friendly solutions for live streaming.
The Rise of NDI in Church Streaming
One topic that sparked great interest was NDI (Network Device Interface) technology, which allows cameras and other video sources to transmit high-quality video over a standard network connection. George explained that NDI eliminates the need for long HDMI or SDI cables, making installations cleaner and more flexible.
However, there are challenges with NDI:
- It requires a robust network to avoid congestion and latency issues.
- Occasionally, connectivity problems can arise when devices do not recognize each other on the network.
For churches looking to transition to an NDI setup, George suggested starting with NDI-enabled cameras or using NDI adapters for existing HDMI or SDI cameras.
Hardware vs. Software Encoders: Which is Better for Churches?
A frequent debate among church tech teams is whether to use software-based encoders (like OBS, vMix, or Wirecast) or dedicated hardware encoders. George outlined the key differences:
| Feature | Software Encoder | Hardware Encoder |
| Ease of Use | Steeper learning curve | Simple, push-button operation |
| Reliability | Can crash or lag due to other system tasks | Purpose-built for stability |
| Performance | High CPU usage may affect streaming quality | Handles streaming independently |
| Remote Access | Limited control options | Fully manageable from the cloud |
While software encoders can be a cost-effective starting point, hardware encoders provide better reliability, ease of use, and remote troubleshooting capabilities.
Is 4K or 8K Streaming Necessary for Churches?
The conversation wrapped up with a discussion about whether churches should invest in 4K or 8K streaming. The consensus? Not really.
Most church viewers watch streams on mobile devices, where higher resolutions provide little noticeable benefit. Streaming in 4K also requires:
- Significantly more bandwidth (which many church networks cannot support)
- More expensive equipment
- Longer processing and encoding times
Instead, investing in high-quality 1080p streaming with good lighting, audio, and camera placement will yield far greater improvements in production value than making the jump to 4K or 8K.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Church Streaming
Churches looking to improve their streaming setup should prioritize: ✅ Reliable networking infrastructure ✅ User-friendly hardware encoders ✅ Well-trained volunteers ✅ Flexible and scalable camera systems
For those interested in learning more about remote production and streaming technology, sign up for the upcoming webinar on March 18th at webinar.streamingchurch.tv.
Additionally, Epiphan will be hosting another webinar with StreamingChurch.tv in April to dive even deeper into live streaming solutions for churches.
Connect with Us
For more insights, visit StreamingChurch.tv or Epiphan.com and explore their industry-leading streaming and recording solutions.
Be sure to subscribe to the Church Solutions Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the latest trends and solutions for church streaming and digital ministry.